As the third wave of COVID-19 continues in Ontario, unique tributes to those affected are emerging in Kingsville.
Communities in Bloom Kingsville and Kingsville Horticultural Society have partnered to create a COVID memorial garden in each Kingsville, Cottam and Ruthven.
“Establishing new gardens in each of Kingsville’s community centres was a way for us to show unity and support for our neighbours and friends affected by COVID,” said Karen Loney, Manager of Recreation Programs and Special Events for the Town of Kingsville.
The three gardens share similar designs and have spring and summer versions. The spring version is blooming now. At the centre of the beds are purple allium flowers; chosen because the flower is a sphere of individual florets that give the appearance of spikes, much like the look of the coronavirus itself. Surrounding the allium are pure white tulips.
The summer version is similar, with mauve cleome replacing the allium. Cleome flowers also have a spherical shape with a spiky outward appearance. The white spring tulips will be replaced with white vinca and a border of purple ageratum.
“A great deal of thought went into the design of these gardens,” added Heather Crewe, President of Kingsville Horticultural Society. “The flowers chosen had to convey meaning while being beautiful and low maintenance. I think we were able to check all those boxes, and the Horticultural Society is proud to partner with Communities in Bloom Kingsville on this important initiative.”
Signs at each location explain the symbolism behind the flowers selected. The gardens are at Rotary Park in Cottam, on Union Road in Ruthven, and next to the Municipal Office on Division Road North in Kingsville.
Communities in Bloom Kingsville and Kingsville Horticultural Society invite garden visitors to reflect on neighbours and loved ones lost to the virus, as well as health care and frontline workers who continue to provide our community with essential services.
News Release:
May 17, 2021
Read this news update on our website
Photos of COVID Memorial Garden in Ruthven (top), COVID Memorial Garden in Cottam (left) and COVID Memorial Garden in Kingsville (right) provided by Town of Kingsville